Bio

Born in Cardiff on 16 July 1989, Gareth Bale began his career as a left back, but is now considered to be one of the world's best wingers. He is known for his speed, stamina, dribbling ability, long-range shooting and set pieces. According to some sources, Bale's transfer to Real Madrid in 2013 cost the Spanish club £85 million, which would make him the most expensive player in the world, although this figure is disputed.

Bale made his debut for Southampton at the age of 16 and quickly developed a reputation as a deadly free kick taker. In 2007, he was named the Football League Young Player of the Year and completed a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the 2007-08 campaign.

Initially, Bale struggled with injuries and played in a total of 24 Premier League matches before he featured in a winning side. He established himself in the team during the 2009-10 season and attracted international attention in 2010-11, especially after scoring a hattrick at the San Siro in a game against Internazionale. He was subsequently named as the PFA Players' Player of the Year for 2010-11. Over the course of the next two campaigns, Bale's strong performances continued and he enjoyed his best goalscoring season for Spurs in 2012-13, managing 26 goals in all competitions. His performances were rewarded when he was named PFA Players' Player of the Year, PFA Young Player of the Year and FWA Player of the Year.

After months of speculation, Bale completed a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in September 2013. Although his first few months with the club were hindered by injury problems, he quickly found goalscoring form and in November he scored his first hattrick in a Madrid shirt, during a 4-0 against Real Valladolid.

Bale plays international football for Wales and was expected to feature for Great Britain during the 2012 Olympic Games, before injuries forced him to withdraw.

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale claims he has not changed his game despite receiving criticism from some Real Madrid supporters after not passing to Cristiano Ronaldo in a Liga game last month... Read more